Aram, Aramean, Aramaic, Aram of Damascus

Definition

“Aram” was the name of two men in the Old Testament. It was also the name of a region northeast of Canaan, where modern-day Syria is located.

• The people living in Aram became known as “Arameans” and spoke “Aramaic.” Jesus and other Jews of his time also spoke Aramaic.
• One of Shem’s sons was named Aram. Another man named Aram was a cousin of Rebekah. It is probable that the region of Aram was named after one of these two men.
• Aram later became known by the Greek name “Syria.”
• The term “Paddan Aram” means “plain of Aram” and this plain was located in the northern part of Aram.
• Some of Abraham’s relatives lived in the city of Haran, which was located in “Paddan Aram.”
• In the Old Testament, sometimes the terms “Aram” and “Paddan Aram” refer to the same region.
• The term “Aram Naharaim” may mean “Aram of Two Rivers.” This region was located in the northern part of Mesopotamia and was to the east of “Paddan Aram.”

(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)

(See also: Mesopotamia, Paddan Aram, Rebekah, Shem, Syria)

Bible References

• 1 Chronicles 1:17-19
• 2 Samuel 8:6
• Amos 1:5
• Ezekiel 27:16
• Genesis 31:19-21
• Hosea 12:12
• Psalm 60:1

Word Data

• Strong’s: H0130, H0726, H0758, H0761, H0762, H0763, H1834, H7421